[CaramonLS]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

I have been meaning to address this but haven't gotten around to it yet.

From what I have seen, Feaster said that the Flames didn't agree with the NHL's interpretation of the rule (I will dig up the quote)

Prior to tendering the offer sheet for Ryan O’Reilly we, as a hockey operations department, examined whether there were any impediments to our successfully securing the services of the player including, but not limited to, his having played in the KHL after the start of the current NHL season.
Our interpretation of the Article 13 transition rules governing restricted free agents (“RFA”), and the applicability of Article 13.23 under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement to such RFA’s was, and continues to be, different than the NHL’s current interpretation as articulated to us this morning. Moreover, throughout our discussions, the player’s representative shared our interpretation and position with respect to the non-applicability of Article 13.23.
While we were prepared to advance our position with the NHL, in light of Colorado’s having matched the offer sheet it is now an academic point. As such, we will have no further comment on the matter, the player, or the offer sheet process

Far from certain, but to me, "as articulated to us this morning" would imply that they had in fact spoken to the NHL.

Considering that statement was released Friday afternoon (This morning refers to FRIDAY MORNING), it is certainly NOT clear.